Information

Resources

Causes

There is no single cause for depression; it is often a result of several things. There may even be no obvious reason for it. Depression is connected to chemical imbalances in the brain as well as the more obvious psychological and physical symptoms.

Physical factors

Genetics can be an important factor in depression as it often runs in families for generations.

Traumatic events and stress can also be a cause for depression. Like the death of someone close to you, financial or relationship problems.

Changes in circumstances - moving home, a new job or getting married, although meant to be happy times can cause the onset of depression for some people.

Serious physical medical conditions such as terminal or long standing illnesses, Heart disease, HIV due to the stress can be a factor for depression. Depression can also make underlying conditions worse.

People who think negatively and a pessimistic personality are at higher risk of developing depression.

Many psychological conditions can co exist with depression, such as anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and schizophrenia.

Chemical imbalances in the brain

When someone is suffering from depression there is also a change in the balance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are responsible for carrying signals in the brain and nerves. Anti- depressants can help to restore these chemicals to their original levels, thus, lifting the mood of the depressed person. Although there is this physical change in the brain it is thought to be a symptom of depression, not a cause.